The Shard evacuated after reports of smoke in building's basement

Peter Spence is an independent researcher and writer. He is a former Online Writer at City A.M.

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The Shard has been evacuated after reports of smoke (Source: Getty)

London's iconic Shard skyscraper has been evacuated after reports of smoke.

The London Fire Brigade says that firefighters have been investigating the reports of smoke in the basement of the building.

Smoke without fire perhaps, as the fire brigade's statement says that "there is no suggestion at this stage that there is a fire". So we shouldn't rush to rebrand it the "Charred" just yet.

A call was made to the fire service at 10.30am, and seven fire engines and around 50 firefighters from Soho, Dockhead, Old Kent Road, Shoreditch, Whitechapel and Lambeth fire stations are now on the scene.

Around 900 people were evacuated from the 72 floor building. The fire service tweets that "smoke appears to be dissipating".